Question

Browser Question

Asked by: snyperj

We have an outside company that is creating a website for us and they have recently told us that the site will require Firefox or IE8 to work "optimally".  Can someone explain the reasons why that would be and is that unusual?

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Asked On
2009-08-07 at 08:25:03ID24635024
Topics

Web Development Software

,

Miscellaneous Web Development

,

WebApplications

Participating Experts
4
Points
500
Comments
5

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Answers

 

by: MushqPosted on 2009-08-07 at 08:34:52ID: 25043865

There are couple of reasons:
1. They have tested that website with only Firefox and IE 8.
Both these are most popular browser. Hopefully this would be helpful.

Regards,
Mushi

 

by: MushqPosted on 2009-08-07 at 08:35:34ID: 25043874

Please check wikianswer for most popular browser.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_most_popular_browser

 

by: marksitwellPosted on 2009-08-07 at 08:35:59ID: 25043879

That sounds mad unless you can guarentee all the people looking at your site are on IE8 or Firefox. Any webdesigner should ensure that a website will be compatible accross the majority of platforms, IE5 through to IE8, Opera, Firefox, Netscape and Safari etc. If not you will have a lot of users not being able to see it.

If it is just for your company then fair enough, but i wouldn't be held to that narrow criteria.

 

by: aboo_sPosted on 2009-08-07 at 08:36:45ID: 25043893

Ok, they are probably using some functionality to visual effect your site that will not be supported by earlier browsers. It is common for sites that use special visual effects.

Anyway it would be fare that they include support for earlier browsers where site is run in sort of "safe mode" when entered with a primitive browser.

A proper announcement of this that it would be preferable if the site was displayed with a more up to date browser should be posted though  or visitors should have the opportunity to skip some java and visual effects "skip the fun"  if the choose to.

 

by: tedh7552Posted on 2009-08-07 at 08:42:53ID: 25043964

'Optimally' is a good way to say it actually. They aren't saying it won't work at all in other browsers.

Each browser implements the WC3 standards to a varying degree. It sounds llike the company is trying to use some advanced features of it such that the web experience will be greatest if those two browsers are used.

That is a problem with web development. It's a balancing act between using newer technology and making the experience good for the largest number of people.

Just ask the question directly. "What happens if a user doesn;t use on of those two browsers"

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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